Crews have started the first phase of construction on the much-anticipated train station in Moline, Illinois.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, crews were prepping the historic building for tuck-point work and testing for lead paint and asbestos. The work is the first of three bid packages. According to Moline's planning and development director Ray Forsythe, crews began the project about three weeks ago.
The city is still waiting for the state and federal government to sign-off on the second and third bids, Forsythe said, adding bid one should be completed within the next four to six weeks.
The state of Illinois was to match the federal government's contribution, but because Illinois has yet to agree on a budget, Moline has paid the state's portion. Because the project has officially started, Forsythe said there's no turning back.
"We have made a commitment to the federal government, the state, the developers and they are a key part in this," Forsythe continued, "he's ready to go as soon as we get all of our approvals and sign-offs.
The $30-million project initially was to be completed by 2015, but several grants the city had received were delayed. Forsythe told News 8 the project is expected to be completed sometime in the beginning of 2016.